United States AttorneyWestern District of New York

Penfield Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Charges

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Alfredo Valentin, Jr. a/k/a Alfredo Valentine, a/k/a Fred Valentin, a/k/a Fred Vegas, 42, of Penfield, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of $20,000,000 or both. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Valentin will forfeit $74,690 in U.S. currency, a firearm, and rounds of ammunition seized during the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that Valentin purchased large quantities of heroin in New York City that he transported back to Rochester. The defendant then processed, packaged, and resold the cocaine in various quantities. Valentin was arrested on January 16, 2013 while driving a rental car. He was found in possession of over 130 grams of heroin and $2,000 in U.S. currency.

During the execution of a search warrant that same day at the defendant’s residence at 491 Plank Road in Penfield, officers recovered a Hi–Point 9mm pistol with a defaced serial number, rounds of 9mm ammunition, and heroin trafficking paraphernalia. On February 13, 2013, agents seized $72,690 in Valentin’s drug proceeds during the execution of a federal search warrant at 140 Central Park in Rochester.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian R. Crowell, New York Field Division, with assistance provided by the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET), and the Rochester Police Department under the direction of Chief James M. Sheppard, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge, Scott Heagney.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 5 at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Larimer.

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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives United States Department of Justice